His Price, Her Rules

“Before I sign anything, I need to know what you expect from me.”

Adrian Blackwell looked up from the contract.

“That’s what we’re here for, Elena. Ask.”

I shifted in my chair. Everything looked expensive beside my chipped nails and old handbag. I needed the money, but I had to know the rules.

Adrian pushed the papers closer.

“Six months. You’ll come with me to business dinners, social events, family gatherings, and other events when I need you. My assistant will handle your schedule and tell you about things as early as she can.”

“And the payment?”

He told me the amount.

I stared at him. “Every month?”

“Yes.”

The money could pay Luca’s surgery deposit and help with the bills after. Then I remembered who sat across from me: Adrian Blackwell.

“What does exclusive mean?”

“You won’t make this kind of deal with another client while our contract is active.”

“What about dating?”

“Your private life is yours. Just don’t cause a scandal or get in the way of our deal.”

I turned the page.

“What about physical stuff?”

He stopped tapping his pen. “Is that a problem?”

“I need to know what I’m signing up for.”

“You’re being paid to come with me to events, not give me control of your body. You don’t have to sleep with me or do anything you don’t want to do.”

I watched his face. He sounded like he meant it, but people could say anything when they wanted something.

“And if you want more later?”

“I’ll ask. You can say no.”

I hadn’t expected it.

“Okay,” I said.

“Anything else?”

“Quite a lot, actually.”

I nearly apologized, but stopped myself. This was my life.

“How often will I attend events? What if there’s an emergency? Can I leave if I’m uncomfortable?”

“My assistant will plan things with you. Tell her if there’s an emergency. Tell me if you’re uncomfortable.”

“She must be good.”

“She is.”

I looked back at the contract.

“When do I get the first payment?”

“After you sign. It’s written there.”

I checked. He was right.

“What if one of us wants to end this?”

“Read the next page.”

So I did.

He seemed ready for me to finish, but I still wondered why a man like him needed to hire a companion. Maybe he wanted someone who came when he called and left without asking questions. Someone easy. Someone like me.

“Can I ask you something?”

“You’ve been asking questions all afternoon.”

“Forget it.”

“Ask.”

I took a breath. “Why did you choose me?”

He leaned back. “The agency suggested you.”

“That doesn’t tell me much.”

“It’s what I have to tell you.”

After a pause, he added, “I need someone who can keep things private and do what she says she’ll do. Someone who can act right in public without making every event about herself. I don’t want a woman who thinks this deal gives her a place in my personal life.”

There it was.

He wanted company, not trouble.

I could understand that. I wasn’t looking for love either. Not with a Blackwell.

“Then we understand each other,” I said.

I held the pen tighter.

“What if I don’t meet your expectations?”

“Then we’ll talk.”

“And if you don’t meet mine?”

“Tell me.”

“You make it sound easy.”

“It can be, if we follow the agreement.”

I wanted to believe him, but a few pages couldn’t stop every problem. Rich men didn’t always like hearing no. Still, I couldn’t wait for a better answer.

I picked up the pen.

“All right.”

Adrian watched me sign my name. When I finished, he checked my signature and gave me a copy.

“Welcome aboard.”

I stared at my name. It looked normal, even though I’d just promised six months of my life for money I badly needed.

I put the contract in my bag.

“Thank you.”

He stood, so I stood too.

“My assistant will send you the details for Saturday.”

I stopped. “Saturday?”

“There’s a family gathering. You’ll come with me.”

My stomach tightened. “Your family?”

“Some of them.”

I tried to keep my face calm. “What do I tell them about us?”

“That you’re my companion.”

“Won’t they ask questions?”

“They might.”

“And that doesn’t bother you?”

Adrian looked at me as if I should already know the answer.

“Elena, I’m not asking you to tell my family your whole life story. You don’t owe them that.”

His family was the Blackwell family, tied to my father’s company falling apart five years ago. I couldn’t let anyone look too closely at me.

“Anything else before Saturday?”

“Follow the dress code my assistant sends. Be on time. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, tell me.”

“Your family sounds difficult.”

“My family is my family.”

Adrian checked his watch. “My assistant will send the details tonight.”

I headed for the door, glad the meeting was over.

“Elena.”

I turned around.

“Don’t be late on Saturday.”

“I’ll try.”

“I expect you to be on time.”

He spoke like the world usually did what he wanted.

“Then you won’t have anything to complain about.”

The corner of his mouth lifted.

“We’ll see.”

I left before I said something I’d regret.

Outside, I checked my bank account. The first payment had arrived. I had enough for Luca’s surgery deposit.

My eyes filled. I wiped them with the back of my hand and laughed a little. After weeks of rejection, I finally had a way to help him.

I called the hospital billing office. They told me how to pay and what would happen next. I wrote it all down.

I sat on a bench outside and took a long breath. At least one thing was moving forward.

But Saturday was coming, and I couldn’t pretend it meant nothing.

I’d walk into a room full of Blackwells, pretending I belonged and hoping no one remembered the girl who’d lost everything five years ago.

I couldn’t tell Adrian why I was scared. He’d hired me to be his companion. Nothing more.

I started home. My phone buzzed before I reached the corner.

A message from Adrian’s assistant.

I opened it, expecting the dress code and time for Saturday.

Instead, I saw one line at the top of the screen:

“Please be prepared. Mr. Blackwell’s family has already asked who you are.”